Give thanks to EMS

Those who have ever dialed 911 or had to be taken to an emergency room with life-threatening problems are well aware of the skill, dedication and selflessness that the Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services personnel exhibit each and every day.

This week is set aside to recognize the efforts that our EMS personnel do without thought for every citizen of the county.

It comes without fanfare or large parades up and down Main Street.

It comes without grand gestures and accolades.

But, that does not take away from what our county EMS crews mean.

They spring into action at a moment's notice, putting their lives on the line to save others.

They do it without the expectation of reward or pats on the back.

While EMS personnel don't have those expectations, we certainly do.

We need to give thanks where thanks is due.

These folks do more than just drive an ambulance.

They respond to varying calls ranging from car accidents to patient transports and do it without the expectation of recognition.

Rutherford County EMS works closely with other agencies such as police, fire, rescue crews, Highway Patrol and 911 communications to ensure fast care and safe transportation for those who are ill or injured.

They are also critical in responding to disasters such as tornadoes and floods.

It is likely that if you have ever been in a car accident, house fire or other medical emergency you have been cared for by one of the highly-skilled professionals working for Rutherford County EMS.

Our Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and paramedics provide a lot of the initial and subsequent treatments that an emergency department would.

These people have to make quick decisions with someone's life on the line. And those decisions can be difficult even with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

The decisions include diagnosis without crucial patient medical history and other information that is critical to perform life-saving interventions that can impact the patient's outcome.

And, they make those decisions with grace and courage.

As this week is meant to be a celebration of our EMS crews, take time to thank and EMT or paramedic for the service they provide to the public.